Philip J Gallegos

Mr. Philip John Gallegos age 86, a lifelong resident of Madera, California passed away on May 14, 2018. He retired from the Madera Unified School District as a Maintenance III and Locksmith. Philip was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign War (Post 1981), a Life Member of the Madera Historical Society, a Member of the CSEA Retiree Unit, recognized as the 2013 Madera County Old Timer’s King, and a Member of St. Joachim’s Church. Philip served in the United States Army in Korea from 1952 to 1954, achieved the rank of Corporal, awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and served in the Army reserves for five years. Philip most enjoyed spending time with his family but also loved treasure hunting at yard sales and tinkering with bikes and clocks.

He was preceded in death by his parents Felipe and Jeronima Gallegos, brothers Peter Gallegos, Henry Gallegos, Manuel Gallegos and sister, Terri Sanchez.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Carmen Gallegos, son Philip & (wife) Terri Gallegos of Madera, son Daniel & (wife) Cindy Gallegos of Bakersfield, daughter Cindy & (husband) Stefan Edelbacher of Brentwood, daughter Diana & (husband) Miguel Gonzalez of Madera, daughter Cece Foley-Gallegos of Madera, his brother Raymond & (wife) Louise Gallegos of Hayward, sister-in-law Elsie Rubio of Madera, and aunt Margaret Flores of Madera.

He is also survived by grandchildren Jami O’Reily, Robin Gallegos, Dustin Gallegos, Grant Gallegos, Sunny Gallegos, PJ Gallegos, Chelsi Gallegos, Dominic Gallegos, Patrick Edelbacher, Asa Edelbacher, Donovan Foley, Sami Foley, Kelli Foley, Kaci Gonzalez, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Rosary Service will be held at St Joachim’s Church in Madera at 10:30 am followed by a Mass Service at 11:00 am on Friday, May 18, 2018. Interment will follow at Arbor Vitae Cemetery in Madera.

Remembrances may be made to Madera Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, CA 93639, Hinds Hospice, 2490 West Shaw Ave, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711, or the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1981, 2026 N. Granada Dr., Madera, CA 93637.